As one of the worst droughts in a hundred years continues its grip on Australia, inland communities large and small face the prospect of another very hot, dry summer.
The national university of inland Australia, Charles Sturt University (CSU) has specialist researchers available for comment on drought issues such as its effects on agricultural production and water use, access to services and impacts on families, regional businesses and communities.
The commentators include:
Albury-Wodonga
- Land management expert Professor Allan Curtis, on the effects of drought on land management in private agricultural holdings, national parks and other land types;
- Landscape ecologist and experienced science commentator Professor Nick Klomp with CSU Faculty of Science, on the effects of drought on Australia’s native plants and animals and the Australian bush environment;
- CSU environmental sciences lecturer, Dr Joanne Millar, who can comment on the environmental and social impacts of the drought, particularly based in relation to rural communities and agriculture, including farmers and non-farming landholders;
- CSU’s Institute for Land Water and Society researcher and senior lecturer, Dr David Watson, on the interaction of wildlife and plants during drought.
Bathurst
- Regional economist Mr Tom Murphy from CSU’s Western Research Institute with recent research published on the effects of drought on regional businesses.
Orange
- Rural social researcher Dr Judith Crockett has completed extensive research into the effects of drought on mental health in rural areas. Dr Crockett is currently on secondment to the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, working on drought related mental health interventions;
- CSU School of Marketing and Management lecturer Mr Mark Frost, on the effects of drought on agricultural finance and commodity prices.
- International pasture researcher Professor David Kemp with CSU's School of Rural Management on the management of grazing systems for livestock and native grasslands during droughts;
- Climate change authority Professor Kevin Parton with CSU’s Institute of Land, Water and Society, on the value of seasonal weather forecasting;
- Senior lecturer in ecological agriculture Mr Anantanarayanan Raman from the CSU School of Rural Management, who is particularly interested in weed ecology and drought.
Wagga Wagga
- CSU’s Institute for Land Water and Society rural social researcher Professor Margaret Alston, who has completed extensive research into the social impacts of drought on rural people, rural communities and education access;
- CSU Professor of Water Policy Kathleen Bowmer, investigates land and water management in the Murray Darling Basin, with expertise on water sharing and river management through her role as chair of the Murrumbidgee River Management Committee;
- Internationally recognised water use expert and hydrologist Professor Shahbaz Khan with CSU and CSIRO who can comment on the effects of drought on water availability, smart water use and learning from international experience. Professor Khan’s article entitled, Climate Change or Shift? How affects the Australian Community can be found below.
- Professor Len Wade is an Agronomist/Crop Physiologist with CSU and the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation. He has spent his career interested in rain fed crops and cropping systems, especially in how to get plants and systems better able to cope with drought. His research interests include the ability of plants to access water from depth and use it wisely. He has expertise in water use efficiency and water productivity, crop management and crop improvement.
- Development Officer with CSU and the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Ms Helen Burns, who is an expert in farming system extension and leads the Industry and Community Engagement (ICE) program;
- National Wine and Grape Industry Centre researcher at CSU, Dr Dennis Greer, on the impact of heat on grape vines;
- National Wine and Grape Industry Centre researcher at CSU, Dr Ron Hutton, on water and nutrient management of vineyards.
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